For the first time since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers at the start of the 2024 MLB season, Shohei Ohtani faces competition in the National League MVP race. Chicago Cubs standout Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a significant contender. His performance and statistics could enable him to claim the MVP award.
In a thrilling clash at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, both Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani showcased their skills. Each player hit two home runs, combining for a total of seven RBIs. This effort contributed to a 7-6 victory for the Cubs and heightened the MVP debate.
Throughout the season, Crow-Armstrong made a strong impact with his batting and defensive plays in center field. The memorable performance against Ohtani and the Dodgers added intensity to the MVP discussions.
Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on August 5, 2026. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the buzz surrounding his play, but emphasized that winning the award isn’t his primary focus. “I would be crazy to say that I don’t want to win an MVP,” Crow-Armstrong said in an ESPN interview. “But if we’re talking about having priorities straight, I think mine are pretty straight. It’s not at the forefront of my mind. It’s fun to joke about, and it’s fun to acknowledge, but it’s not like following me up to the plate.”
Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrates a moment in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs /Getty Images)
While enjoying the competitive atmosphere, Crow-Armstrong is aware of Ohtani’s current status. Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3 due to knee soreness. His absence from pitching changes the dynamics of the MVP discussion. Ohtani carries a 1.79 ERA this season, and his pitching adds to his talent portfolio. Crow-Armstrong humorously remarked, “I think if you guys want to talk about all this back and forth, I really should go get in the lab and start pitching. I really should.”
Pete Crow-Armstrong is on deck in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on May 19, 2026. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
As of Thursday morning, both Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani were co-favorites for the NL MVP title at FanDuel Sportsbook. With about 50 games remaining in the season, their statistics are closely aligned. Each has hit 26 home runs, with Ohtani having a slight edge in RBIs with 70 compared to Crow-Armstrong’s. Ohtani also leads in OPS, with a .953 compared to Crow-Armstrong’s .938.
Mark Harris is a writer for OutKick.